Mini PC &sol; HTPC Specifications&colon;1&period; Definition&colon;During the early days of computing&comma; the term "minicomputer" referred to a multi-user computer that was in between the massively sized multi-user mainframes and the single-user desktop terminal&period; In 2009&comma; the term "mini computer" has also come to encompass desktop computers that are small&comma; with a little footprint&comma; and that utilize a motherboard that is smaller than the micro-ATX standard&period;

2&period; Features&colon;A mini computer includes many of the same components found in a traditionally sized desktop tower&comma; such as standard processors&comma; memory and optical drives&comma; but placed on a smaller motherboard&period; Due to space constraints&comma; a mini computer may sacrifice features such as extra expansion slots&comma; more robust power sources or more advanced cooling methods&period;

3&period; Advantages&colon;Mini computers are prized for their portability and have become a mainstay at events such as LAN gaming parties&period; With their smaller footprint&comma; better aesthetics and quiet operation&comma; mini computers are a popular choice for living room or media room applications&period; Smaller computers are also less expensive than their traditionally sized counterparts and use less electricity&period;

4&period; Types&colon;The small form PC is a miniaturized version of the standard desktop PC&comma; utilizing standard components on a smaller motherboard&comma; typically in a cube-shaped case with two expansion slots&period; It was originally referred to as the "shuttle form factor&comma; " which referred to the computer manufacturer Shuttle&comma; but it was renamed to "small form factor" to include other makers with similarly designed small computers&period;Nettop computers are extremely small&comma; lightweight computers&period; They are commonly used for basic computing functions such as Web browsing&comma; media viewing and document creation&period; Unlike the cubical PCS&comma; nettop computers typically have few&comma; if any&comma; expansion slots&period;Home theatre PCS are mini computers built specifically to act as a home entertainment system&period; These mini PCS often include larger hard drives to store media-related data as well as TV tuner cards and remote control functions&period; HTPC cases are usually designed to lay on its side and emulate the look of DVRs and other side-laying home theater equipment&period;